Films

The Films page is made possible with the generous support of the Charatan and Holm Families.

Watch short documentary films narrated by Ed Asner, Tova Feldshuh, Larry King, and Liev Schreiber made from from a collection of 50 original interviews with surviving Jewish partisans shot all over the world.

Witness the Jewish partisans' stories of endurance, victory, and struggle against the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. Each 3-24 minute film tells a true tale of survival and courage from actual partisans. Films are also available on DVD: please email dvd@jewishpartisans.org for more information.

Film

Introduction to the Jewish Partisans

A brief introduction to the subject that showcases interviews with nine former partisans as well as Soviet archival footage. This video counters the prevailing notion that the Jewish experience during the Holocaust was one of passive acceptance. Ed Asner narrates. Total running time: 6:37

Film

Everyday the Impossible: Jewish Women in the Partisans

Women made up less than 10% of the partisans. Their work in the partisan camps ranged from domestic duties such as cleaning, cooking and nursing, to reconnaissance, weapons trasnport, and armed combat. Meet eight Jewish partisans and hear their experiences firsthand. Narrated by Tovah Feldshuh. Total running time: 15:00

Film

Living and Surviving in the Partisans: Food

In the mind of a partisan, hunger was ever-present. Some were given food by sympathetic villagers, while others survived on a handful of beans. Nine Jewish partisans describe what food they ate, and how it was obtained. Narrated by Larry King. Total running time: 3:52

Film

Living and Surviving in the Partisans: Medicine

With few doctors and no medical supplies, partisans suffered from many diseases. Wounds were frequently left untreated. Nine former partisans recount the lack of medical care and what methods were used to treat the sick and injured. Larry King narrates. Total running time: 4:43

Film

Living and Surviving in the Partisans: Shelter

Partisans used a variety of methods to hide from the Nazis and their collaborators. Some stayed with sympathetic peasants. Others lived in underground. Eight partisans describe where they lived as well as the constant fear of detection. Larry King narrates. Total running time: 4:40.

Film

Living and Surviving in the Partisans: Winter and Night

Partisans were often ill-equipped for the freezing cold and snow of winter. This film features eleven partisans detailing the struggle to survive a harsh winter climate as well as how they used it to their advantage. Larry King narrates. Total running time: 4:16

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Partisans: Through the Eye of the Soviet Newsreel

Watch actual footage of Russian and Polish partisans, of which Jewish participation numbered in the thousands, engaging in guerilla activity. The video shows the many forms of resistance partisans employed and what daily life consisted of. Ed Asner narrates. Total running time: 3:30

Film

Fighting on Three Fronts: Antisemitism and the Jewish Partisans

Antisemitism followed the Jews even into the ranks of partisan units. First-hand accounts describe the different ways Jewish partisans dealt with persecution, including forming all-Jewish partisan groups. Narrated by Larry King. Total running time: 13:41

Film

A Partisan Returns: The Legacy of Two Sisters

Former Bielski partisan Lisa Reibel journeys back to her home in Belarus for the first time after nearly 65 years. Experience how her story of escape, struggle and success affects her family three generations. Total running time: 21:47

Film

The Reunion

The Reunion is a true story of family, friendship, loss and renewal when 55 Jewish partisans gather in New York City - many seeing each other for the first time in 65 years. Narrated by Liev Schreiber. Total running time: 24:40

Film

The Bielski Brothers: An Introduction

The Bielski brigade was responsible for saving over 1,200 people in their all-Jewish partisan unit in wartime Poland. This was the single largest rescue of Jews by Jews during the Holocaust. This film is part of JPEF's on-line course on teaching with the motion picture "Defiance". Narrated by Ed Asner. To view a version of this film with Russian subtitles, click here. Total running time: 6:45

Film

What is the Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation?

This film shows the innovative programs of the Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation. JPEF teaches about armed Jewish resistance during -- the Jewish Partisans -- during the Holocaust to thousands of schools all over the world. Narrated by Liev Schreiber. Total running time: 3:11

Film

Survival in the Forest: Isidore Karten and the Partisans

Teenagers Jonathan and Izzy spent the summer of 2013 in Ukraine looking for traces of their grandfather, a Jewish resistance fighter during the Holocaust who helped save over 400 Jews. The brothers travel through small villages and the dense forests, meeting locals, and wresting with their responsibility to prevent genocide from happening again. Total running time: 28:04

Film

Resistance Basics - Classroom Edition

Share with your students this short video presentation on the basics of armed Jewish resistance during the Holocaust. This 30-minute documentary for classroom use includes rare archival footage and first-person testimonials, as well as a JPEF short documentary film narrated by Ed Asner. This is ideally suited for classroom use, as well as individual student research projects. Total running time: 30:24